Danesfort and Bennettsbridge in trouble while trio of teams remain unbeaten
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League
With three rounds of the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League done and dusted, the group stages will be completed over the next eight days, and it will be a big week for many teams jockeying for position. Along with Shamrocks Ballyhale, Thomastown and Graigue Ballycallan are the other sides with an impeccable record as we pause for breath.
Noel Doherty’s team made light work of Glenmore at the home of the Vegas Boys, with Robbie Donnelly once again leading the charge. Jack Holden raised the green flag just after the break to give his side a commanding 9-point lead, while John Donnelly and Daithi Barron were also prominent for the 2024 County champions. Glenmore had to rely on captain Ian Byrne for many scores, and they never looked troubling the ‘Town in this one.
Graigue Ballycallan secured their third win in as many games when they got the better of Mullinavat in an entertaining fixture in Thomastown. The sky blues had Aaron McEvoy’s accuracy to thank as their top scorer notched an impressive 1-12 in a 6-point win that had telling contributions from Jesse Roberts and Conor Glynn. When Conor Power goaled for the ‘Vat after 13 minutes, that gave The Vegas Boys a 6-point lead, and they were five clear at the short whistle. A 1-4 salvo from McEvoy tied things up, and GBC pushed on to register another victory.
O’Loughlin Gaels bounced back from their defeat to Shamrocks by thumping Erin’s Own in Muckalee. Midfielder Conor Kelly was on top form, hitting 1-17, just a point less than the ‘Comer men’s total, as his side racked up an impressive 4-34. Corner men, Cian Byrne and Robbie Buckley notched 5-8 between them as Brian Hogan’s outfit got back to winning ways. Conor McMahon again stood up for Erin’s Own, hitting 2-2 from midfield but they will be aware that only Danesfort are below them as round’s four and five approach.
Dicksboro registered their first win of this season’s campaign when they blitzed a Danesfort side that are finding life tough at the top table on Noreside. Harry Shine gave a great performance, hitting 1-6, while Patrick Lacey had 1-3 to his name from the bench. Shane Stapleton weighed in with 0-8, while Anthony won the battle of the Cliffords, outscoring Timmy four to one. Ben Whitty top scored for the ‘Fort while Fionn Mahony did well also, but things are looking bleak for last season’s intermediate champions.
Another team to get maximum points at the third time of asking was Clara who edged Bennettsbridge by two points in Gowran. The Maroon-clad side just about deserved the win, with Conor O’Shea (0-8) and Paul Cody (0-3) leading the way. Kilkenny underage star Rory Glynn sparkled also, hitting 1-2. The loss of Conor Cody to a red card in injury time didn’t prevent Clara grinding out the victory. Liam Blanchfield struck a stunning goal for the losers, but it is worrying times for the ‘Bridge as they go into the final two rounds of games with nothing to show for their efforts.
